My grandfather died of pancreatic cancer. It’s not a great way to go. Pancreatic Cancer Action recently launched this controversial ad comparing survival rates to those of other cancers such as those of the breast or testicle. I won’t sit on the fence. I don’t like it. It reminds me of the “I wish my son had cancer” ad that won loads of awards last year. And this “I wish my kids had cancer” book on autism. In other words, wishing you had one form of cancer over another, or cancer instead of another disease, seems to me like the last resort of the desperate. But maybe that’s the point. Maybe these people are desperate. Desperate for attention. Desperate for funds. Desperate for a cure.

Not surprisingly, the campaign has come under fire from many other cancer charities, as well as members of the public. The charity has launched a follow-up campaign detailing symptoms to look for. Have a look, they could save your life.